the steering shaft. The pinion engages with rack which is provided with ball joint at
its each end in order to allow for the rise and fall of wheel. The rotary motion of the
steering wheel is transmitted to the pinion. The circular motion of pinion is convert
into the linear rack movement, which further transmitted to tie rods to the stub axle
through ball joint.
This type of steering gear box provides sufficiently low gear reduction for car and
it is quiet suitable even for heavier motor vehicle if assisted with power. It occupies
very less space and less number of linkages.
Working: The rack-and-pinion steering box has a pinion, connected to the
steering column.
This pinion runs in mesh with a rack that is connected to the steering tie rods. Both
the pinion and the rack teeth are helical gears. Helical gearing gives smoother and
quieter operation for the driver.
Turning the steering wheel rotates the pinion, and moves the rack from side to
side.Ball joints at the end of the rack locate the tie-rods and allow movement in the
steering and suspension.
Mechanical advantage is gained by the reduction ratio. The value of this ratio
depends on the size of the pinion. A small pinion gives light steering, but it requires
many turns of the steering wheel
to travel from lock, to lock. A large pinion means the number of turns of the
steering column is reduced, but the steering is heavier to turn.
Uses: All most all small cars like maruti 800, Alto, Wagon R, SweftDezire, i10 etc
houses this type of steering gearbox.
